The 6 Best Self Balancing Scooters

Updated by Ezvid Wiki Editors · How we research

Illustration of the 5 self-balancing scooters to scale, next to a hoverboard charger with a blinking charge light and slalom cones for size

All six self-balancing scooters are sold as UL 2272 certified. Compared on tested speed, range, tires and load limit, the Gyroor Warrior G2 tops the list. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

Since the hoverboard fires of 2015 and 2016, the standard to look for is UL 2272, which covers the whole board's electrical system. A self-balancing scooter, usually called a hoverboard, is a two-wheeled board you ride standing up, leaning to go and twisting your feet to turn. Kids and adults ride them for fun and short trips.

At a Glance

  1. 1 Gyroor Warrior G2 $268
  2. 2 Segway Ninebot S2 $549
  3. 3 Gyroor G13 $124
  4. 4 Hover-1 Titan $285
  5. 5 SIMATE P6 $119
  6. 6 Segway Ninebot S2 Kids $399

1. Gyroor Warrior G2

Gyroor Warrior G2
ABOUT $268 AT AMAZON EBAY
From the manual
  • New riders should start in child mode, set in the app or by holding the power button about six seconds. pp. 6, 10
  • Despite the off-road tires, the manual rules out loose gravel, sand, wet ground and slopes steeper than 15 degrees. pp. 4, 7
  • Warranty: one year on the board, six months on the battery; rain damage isn't covered, and opening by an unlicensed person voids it. p. 11
  • Long rides can overheat it: the lights flash red, an alarm sounds, and it won't charge until it cools. p. 10

Gyroor Warrior G2 user manual (ManualsLib copy)

Why the Gyroor Warrior G2 is our top pick

The G2 fits more of a family than our runner-up, the Segway Ninebot S2, and it has the stronger independent record. Its manual takes riders from age 6 and from 44 to 265 pounds,1 while the S2 is rated for ages 16 to 50 and 88 to 220 pounds.3 On ERideHero's GPS runs with a 175-pound rider, the G2 hit 9.9 mph, the fastest of its ten boards, and went 6.4 miles;4 we found no comparable test of the S2.

Day to day, the G2 is easier to live with. It charges in about two hours against the S2's four and a half,1,3 and its solid 8.5-inch tires can't go flat.2 Its 144 Wh battery sits under the FAA's 160 Wh limit, so it can fly if an airline agrees, while the S2's 335 Wh pack is barred outright.1,3,5

The runner-up is the better buy for longer rides and nervous beginners. Segway claims about 21.7 miles of typical range against the G2's 5.5 to 11,3,1 and its app holds new riders to 4.3 mph until they finish a tutorial.3 Both weigh about 30 pounds, and both manuals say to stay out of rain and puddles.1,3

Gyroor Warrior G2Segway Ninebot S2
Riders (maker)Ages 6+, 44-265 lbAges 16-50, 88-220 lb
Independent GPS test9.9 mph, 6.4 milesNone found
Claimed range5.5-11 miles21.7 miles
Charge timeAbout 2 hoursAbout 4.5 hours
Battery and flying144 Wh, airline's call335 Wh, banned by FAA

Sources

2. Segway Ninebot S2

Segway Ninebot S2
ABOUT $549 AT AMAZON EBAY
From the manual
  • It keeps a very low speed until the Segway-Ninebot app activates it, then stays at 4.3 mph until the New Rider Tutorial is done. pp. 8-9
  • Segway rates it for riders 16 to 50 years old, 4 feet 3 to 6 feet 6, and 88 to 220 pounds. p. 17
  • Left off for ten days below 20 percent charge, the battery goes to sleep and won't power on until charged. p. 7
  • Frame and motors get one year of coverage, the battery and charger 180 days; racing or rental use voids the warranty. warranty, pp. 3, 6

Segway Ninebot S2 user manual (PDF)

Compare the specs

Swipe the table sideways to see every column.

Product Rider weight (lb)Top speed (mph)Range (miles)Battery (Wh)Tires (in)Charge time (hours)
1. Gyroor Warrior G2 44-265105.5-111448.5 solid2
2. Segway Ninebot S2 88-22011.221.733510.5 tubeless air4.5
3. Gyroor G13 44-1767.53.75-7.75726.5 rubber2
4. Hover-1 Titan 44-2658Up to 814410 tubed airUp to 5
5. SIMATE P6 44-2206-7.53-7.5—6.5 solid2-3
6. Segway Ninebot S2 Kids 44-1328.7897.210.5 tubeless air2.5

Speed and range are the makers' figures, measured with light riders on flat ground. In ERideHero's GPS runs with a 175-pound rider, the G2 reached 9.9 mph and 6.4 miles, the Titan 7.8 mph and 6.4 miles, and the G13 7.2 mph and 5.5 miles. The Titan's battery figure is its manual's 36 volts times 4 amp-hours. SIMATE publishes no battery size, and its P6 manual gives the lower speed and range, its store page the higher.

Sources

3. Gyroor G13

Gyroor G13
ABOUT $124 AT AMAZON EBAY
From the manual
  • Riders must weigh 44 to 176 pounds and stand over four feet tall; beginners should switch it to child mode first. Learning to Ride
  • Its body is rated IP54 against splashes, yet the manual says never to ride in rain, snow or through puddles. Specifications, Warnings
  • A charge takes about two hours; letting the battery run flat can damage it, and that damage isn't covered. Specifications, Maintenance

Gyroor G13 user manual (ManualsLib copy)

4. Hover-1 Titan

Hover-1 Titan
ABOUT $285 AT AMAZON EBAY
From the manual
  • The app's beginner, intermediate and expert modes cap top speed and soften how sharply the board reacts. Smart Phone App
  • Using any charger or cable but Hover-1's voids the warranty, and so does taking the board apart. Battery Care, Care
  • The manual gives no water rating and warns that liquid getting inside will permanently damage the electronics. Care & Maintenance
  • A full charge takes up to five hours; seat the three-pin plug gently, since forcing it can break the prongs. Charging

Hover-1 Titan (HY-TTN) manual (ManualsLib copy)

5. SIMATE P6

SIMATE P6
ABOUT $119 AT AMAZON EBAY
From the manual
  • Charge it once the battery falls below 15 percent, and keep it above half charge when stored. p. 6
  • SIMATE's warranty lasts 90 days, and water damage isn't covered. SIMATE FAQ
  • Taking the board apart forfeits the warranty, according to SIMATE's Apato instruction manual. Apato manual, ch. 8

SIMATE Apato P6 manual (ManualsLib copy)

6. Segway Ninebot S2 Kids

Segway Ninebot S2 Kids
ABOUT $399 AT AMAZON EBAY
From the manual
  • Made for ages 8 to 12, riders 3 feet 7 to 5 feet 7 and 44 to 132 pounds, with an adult supervising throughout. pp. 4-5
  • Speed stays at 4.3 mph until the app's Beginner Tutorial is finished; after that, the app switches between 4.3 and 8.7 mph modes. pp. 12, 25
  • Keep the tires at 40 to 45 psi; underinflated tires can overheat the motor and make it cut out. pp. 39, 41
  • Its IP34 rating covers light splashes only, and the manual says never to ride in rain or through puddles. pp. 34, 40

Segway Ninebot S2 Kids user manual (PDF)

Editor's Notes

November 5, 2026, by Ezvid Wiki Editors:

We read the manuals for all six boards and Segway's S2 warranty, then added a spec table, a section on why the Warrior G2 leads, and manual notes for each pick. We corrected the guide's claim that no hoverboard can fly: only batteries over 160 watt-hours are barred outright. We also fixed the dates of the CPSC fire count and dropped water and gravel claims the manuals don't support.

October 18, 2026, by Ezvid Wiki Editors:

First place goes to the Gyroor Warrior G2, the fastest board in ERideHero's group. Almost nothing else from the last version of this list is still sold. The Epikgo Sport, Segway Ninebot S-Plus, Maxfree Smart, Swagtron T6, Swagtron T580, Hover-1 H1 and IotaTrax Scooter are gone, so they came off. We also dropped the Hover-1 Ultra. It's still around in small numbers, but it costs more than better-documented small boards, and its listing doesn't name UL 2272.

The Gyroor Warrior G2 and Hover-1 Titan stay, and both did well in ERideHero's GPS-tracked rides. The Segway Ninebot S2 replaces the S-Plus for anyone who wants a Segway without handlebars, and the Segway Ninebot S2 Kids brings the same idea to younger riders. The Gyroor G13 and SIMATE P6 cover the low end.

Every board here is certified to UL 2272, by its maker's or its listing's account. After the hoverboard fires of 2015 and 2016, that's the one thing we wouldn't bend on. It's also why the list stops at six: the other well-reviewed boards are out of stock or sold only by their makers, and the rest don't name the standard.

Earlier notes

April 29, 2021, by Luke Mitchell:

Searching for the right self-balancing scooter, or hoverboard, as they are more commonly known, is far easier now that a number of safety issues and initial teething troubles have been addressed. The biggest problem encountered was their susceptibility to short-circuiting and catching fire while charging, and now they undergo strict testing prior to release, in order to meet new stringent safety standards, and many, including the Hover-1 Ultra listed here, are fitted with battery shields to offer an extra layer of protection against combustion. [2026 update: UL 2272 is a voluntary standard, not a legal requirement, and hoverboard fire recalls continued into 2023, so look for UL 2272 by name.]

Other issues that have been addressed include audible alarms that notify the user when the battery is running low. This is to counter problems faced when people are pitched forward, as certain models are known to stop very abruptly following a loss of power. Once the alarm sounds, it is best to stop immediately and carry your scooter to the nearest outlet for charging.

Our latest update includes two new models, starting with the Maxfree Smart, which is similar to the popular Segway Ninebot S-Plus, in that it incorporates a central steering column, that aids stability while making it easier to make precise and tight turns. One way it significantly differs from the Segway is on price, as this is a far more affordable option, which retains many of the same features as its pricier counterpart.

We also liked the aforementioned Hover-1 Ultra, as it is a good all-rounder that has an impressive range, a short charging time of around four hours, and is nippy enough when used on smoother surfaces. It does, however, feature thinner tires, which can wear quicker when supporting heavier loads or when used on rougher terrain. This model also features particularly powerful LED lamps, which make the user more visible to pedestrians and traffic, and also effectively light up the road ahead when used in low light conditions.

March 19, 2020, by Brett Dvoretz:

For a while now, one of the biggest concerns for most people when buying a self-balancing scooter is the risk of it catching fire during charging. While this used to be a valid concern, these days, most models available in the market, and every one on this list, are all UL certified to ensure they meet all necessary safety standards. That being said, it is still important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding charging times.

When combing through our recommendations on our previous list, we had to eliminate a number of models for various reasons. For example, the Hovertrax 2.0 has numerous complaints of randomly stopping without warning, which can be dangerous, and the MegaWheels Hoverboard tends to suffer from charging issues, even after minimal use.

If you are looking for a model to commute to and from work, the Segway Ninebot S-Plus is probably the best option with its impressive 22-mile range. It also offers a 12.5-mile maximum speed and has large, air-filled tires that easily handle bumps and cracks on the pavement. [2026 update: the S-Plus has been discontinued; Segway's current adult knee-bar model is the Ninebot S2 on today's list.] Though if you are really looking for a commuter option, you may be better off with one of the models on our list of the best long-range scooters even if they aren't self balancing. Getting back to the topic of bumps and cracks, we also included a few models that are well-suited to off-road use, such as the Swagtron T6 and Gyroor Warrior G2, both of which have deep tread, large tires, and the ability to handle steep inclines. While not specifically designed as off-road models, the Epikgo Sport and Hover-1 Titan also perform rather well on a variety of terrains.

When it comes to looks, few models can match the sleek, sporty design of the Gyroor G-F1 2.0, however some units do suffer from longevity issues, so it is worth keeping that in mind. The IotaTrax Scooter is another model that really has a stand-out design. It looks more akin to self-balancing unicycles than a traditional hoverboard. Plus, it weighs a mere 15 pounds and folds up very compactly.

Special Honors

Halo Rover X The Halo Rover X is sold mainly by its maker, Halo Board, rather than through big marketplaces. It's a large all-terrain board with two 400-watt motors, beginner, normal and advanced modes, and a companion app. In ERideHero's GPS testing it reached 9.8 mph and went 6.9 miles on a charge, the longest range of any board in that review, which makes it worth a look for riders who want more distance. haloboard.com

Wheel Size, Tires And Weight Limits

Air-filled 10-inch tires ride the smoothest and need a pump now and then.

Wheel size decides where a board can go. The 6.5-inch boards are light, often 13 to 20 pounds, and best on smooth pavement, driveways and gym floors. Boards with 8.5-inch solid tires handle grass and packed dirt and can't go flat, but they pass more vibration to your feet, and the Warrior G2's manual still warns against loose gravel and sand. Air-filled 10-inch tires ride the smoothest and need a pump now and then. ERideHero, which rides every board in its review with GPS tracking and a 175-pound rider, rated the 10-inch Hover-1 Titan the most comfortable of its group.

Treat speed and range claims as best cases. In those GPS runs, boards reached 5.4 to 9.9 mph and covered 3.4 to 6.9 miles, usually less than the box says. Lighter riders, flat ground and warm weather stretch range; hills and cold shrink it.

Check the load limit before anything else. It runs from 132 pounds on a kids model to 265 pounds on the bigger boards, and riding over it strains the motors and battery. Nearly every board uses two motors, one in each wheel, so "dual motor" isn't a selling point by itself; total wattage is a better guide to hill power. If a child would rather sit, many 6.5- to 10-inch boards accept a go-kart seat attachment sold separately, so check that the frame and the board's size match.

Hoverboard Or Segway-Style

A hoverboard has no handle at all. You stand with a foot on each half, lean to go and push one foot ahead of the other to turn. Most people learn in a few minutes, but the first rides feel twitchy.

A Segway-style scooter, sometimes sold as a mini Segway, adds a bar that sits between your knees. You still lean to go, but you turn by pressing the bar with your legs, which many beginners find steadier. These models also run larger air tires and much bigger batteries. The Segway Ninebot S2 is rated for riders 16 and older, from 4 feet 3 inches to 6 feet 6 inches tall, and claims a typical range of 21.7 miles, several times what tested hoverboards manage. The trade-offs are price and weight: they cost two to four times as much and weigh as much as the heaviest off-road boards.

Full-size Segway-style models can't fly: the FAA bars devices with batteries over 160 watt-hours from passenger flights, and most Segway-type scooters exceed that (FAA PackSafe). Smaller boards are up to each airline, and major U.S. airlines began refusing hoverboards in 2015 (Occupational Health & Safety). On the ground, rules vary by state and city. Some places set age or helmet rules or keep boards off sidewalks, and New York City treated them as motor vehicles that couldn't be registered (The Regulatory Review). Check your local ordinances before riding on public paths.

Fire Safety, Falls And Gear

Cheap hoverboards caught fire in large numbers during the 2015 holiday season, which led to UL 2272, a standard for the whole board's electrical system, in early 2016 (Fox News). UL 2271 covers only the battery pack, so look for UL 2272 by name. The risk hasn't gone away: the Consumer Product Safety Commission counted at least 208 micromobility fires from January 2021 to November 2022, with 19 deaths, 11 of them tied to hoverboards (CPSC). Recent recalls include Hover-1 Helix boards for fire in 2023 (CPSC) and Jetson Rogue boards after two deaths (CPSC). Charge on a hard floor with the supplied charger, stay nearby and unplug once it's full instead of leaving it overnight.

Falls are the more common injury. An American Academy of Pediatrics study counted about 26,854 emergency room visits by children for hoverboard injuries in 2015 and 2016, and in a 2018 article from UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, pediatric emergency physician Jerri Rose, MD, urged parents to enforce "a simple 'no helmet, no riding' policy" (University Hospitals). UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh advises a bike helmet plus wrist guards and knee and elbow pads. Start in the slowest mode on a lawn or an empty, level lot, and keep the board out of puddles: IPX4 and IP54 ratings resist splashes, not standing water.

How we researched this

We compared about 20 self-balancing scooters and hoverboards and kept only boards whose maker or listing names UL 2272. For the six picks we read Segway's Ninebot S2 and S2 Kids manuals and its S2 warranty, Gyroor's Warrior G2 and G13 manuals, Hover-1's Titan (HY-TTN) manual and SIMATE's Apato manual and FAQ, and used ERideHero's GPS-tracked speed and range runs for the G2, G13 and Titan. A search of CPSC recall notices on November 5, 2026, found none for these six boards; recent recalls hit other models from the same brands, such as Hover-1's Helix and Superfly hoverboards and Gyroor's C3 e-bikes.

Sources (20)
  1. ERideHero: Best Hoverboards (GPS-tested)
  2. Segway: Ninebot S2
  3. Gyroor: G2 Warrior product page
  4. FAA PackSafe: battery-powered mobility devices
  5. Fox News: Threat of fire provokes hoverboard recall
  6. CPSC: Hover-1 Helix recall
  7. CPSC: Jetson Rogue recall
  8. University Hospitals: Are two-wheeled boards too dangerous for kids?
  9. UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh: Hoverboard safety
  10. Occupational Health & Safety: Airlines ban hoverboards
  11. The Regulatory Review: Hoverboard regulations
  12. CPSC: Call on manufacturers to meet battery safety standards (2022)
  13. Gyroor: Warrior G2 user manual (ManualsLib)
  14. Gyroor: G13 user manual (ManualsLib)
  15. Segway: Ninebot S2 user manual (PDF)
  16. Segway: Ninebot S2 limited warranty (PDF)
  17. Segway: Ninebot S2 Kids user manual (PDF)
  18. Hover-1: Titan (HY-TTN) manual (ManualsLib)
  19. SIMATE: Apato P6 manual (ManualsLib)
  20. SIMATE: FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is a hoverboard the same as a self-balancing scooter?

In the U.S., yes. Self-balancing scooter is the formal name for the two-wheeled board most people call a hoverboard. The term also covers Segway-style models with a knee-height steering bar, but not one-wheeled boards or electric unicycles.

How fast does a self-balancing scooter go?

Most hoverboards top out between about 6 and 10 mph. In ERideHero's GPS tests, boards ran 5.4 to 9.9 mph with a 175-pound rider. Larger Segway-style models claim up to about 11 mph.

How far can a hoverboard go on one charge?

Expect roughly 3 to 7 miles from a typical board. Tested ranges ran from 3.4 to 6.9 miles, usually below makers' claims. Segway-style models with much bigger batteries claim 8 to about 22 miles.

Which self-balancing scooters work for adults?

Look for a load limit of at least 220 pounds, ideally 265, and 8.5- or 10-inch wheels. A Segway-style model with a knee bar suits adults who want steadier steering and a longer range.

Can I take a hoverboard on a plane?

Usually not. The FAA bans devices with batteries over 160 watt-hours, which rules out most full-size Segway-style models. Smaller boards are up to each airline, and major U.S. airlines began refusing hoverboards in 2015.

Are hoverboards legal on sidewalks and streets?

There's no federal ban, but rules vary by state and city. Some set minimum ages or helmet rules or restrict where boards can ride, so check your local ordinances.

Updated by Ezvid Wiki Editors

Originally written by Luke Mitchell.

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